T20 World Cup 2026: Match 1, PAK vs NED Match Prediction – Who will win today’s T20 World Cup match between Pakistan vs Netherlands?

The stage is set for an exciting start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Pakistan (PAK) and the Netherlands (NED) clash in Match No. 1 on Saturday, February 7, at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo. The PAK vs NED Match Prediction suggests a competitive contest, with Pakistan entering the game with strong momentum.

Pakistan will head into the tournament with high confidence after completing a clean sweep over Australia in a preceding three-match T20I series. The Salman Ali Agha-led side, however, must remain cautious, as a loss in this fixture could significantly impact their qualification chances. Notably, the Men in Green have refused to play the Group A tie against India, which could hurt their net run-rate (NRR) and overall standings. With a balanced squad featuring strong batting and bowling options, the PAK vs NED Match Prediction slightly favors Pakistan.

The Netherlands, on the other hand, have struggled for form in the shortest format recently. The Dutch side has failed to secure a win in their recent 20-over matches, including warm-up games. Despite their struggles, they will aim to gain early momentum in the twenty-team tournament with a strong performance against the 2009 champions. While the Netherlands have the potential to challenge stronger teams, the overall PAK vs NED Match Prediction indicates Pakistan hold the upper hand heading into the tournament opener.

Also check: T20 World Cup 2026: Match 2, WI vs SCO Match Prediction

PAK vs NED: Match Details

PAK vs NED: Head-to-Head T20I Record

SSC Ground, Colombo – Pitch Report

The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo will be hosting its first-ever T20I fixture after a gap of almost sixteen years. There is no doubt that the pitch must have changed quite a lot in all these years, and thus, both things will have to assess the conditions quite well before fixing their strategies for this contest. Notably, this will also be the first-ever contest at the venue after the recent renovation and upliftment, where floodlights have also been installed.

PAK vs NED: Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed

Netherlands

Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Scott Edwards (captain & wicketkeeper), Bas de Leede, Roelof van der Merwe, Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen

PAK vs NED: Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Babar Azam

Babar Azam has had a tendency to perform the best against the best of the bowling attacks in the world. When he goes up against a formidable Dutch attack on Saturday afternoon, the conditions are expected to be challenging, but the ace batter knows how to thrive. With a plethora of experience playing in the subcontinent conditions and being equally good against pace and spin, he is set to be at his best.

Probable Best Bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Afridi is among the most feared names and falls among the best pace bowlers of the current generation. Against a power-packed batting attack of the Scott Edwards unit, Shaheen will be expected to hand the Men in Green a few early breakthroughs to bring the opposition on the back foot right away. With his sheer pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, the Dutch will be playing his four overs cautiously.

FAQs – PAK vs NED Match 1, T20 World Cup 2026

Q1. Who is leading Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026?
Pakistan is being led by Salman Ali Agha in the tournament.

Q2. Who is the captain of the Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026?
The Netherlands team is led by Scott Edwards.

Q3. Who are the key players to watch in PAK vs NED Match 1?
Key players include Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan, while Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, and Logan van Beek are crucial for the Netherlands.

Q4. Who is favorite to win PAK vs NED Match 1?
Pakistan are considered favorites due to their strong squad depth and recent form, but the Netherlands can challenge with disciplined performances.

Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match